Classic Recollections: 1957 Oldsmobile Fiesta wagon
When Oldsmobile ventured into the hauling market in 1957, executives were resolute on setting its autos apart from the already crowded field. They promised to give customers what marketing creatives touted as “a new concept in station wagon design.”
By removing the center post between the doors, Oldsmobile claimed customers could “have all the glamour of holiday-hardtop styling plus the utility of a roomy station wagon.”
Definitely successful then, and still today. It was those sleek, chromed lines — and the 64 cubic feet of cargo room — that excited Joe Kawal about the Fiesta wagon he uses to haul everything from antiques to DJ equipment to the family gear for vacation voyages.
“Growing up, Dad always had Oldsmobiles. One in particular he owned was a '57 98 sedan,” the Wood Dale man said. “While I found it an attractive car, I found I much preferred the looks of the wagon.”
This inclination led Kawal to Orland Park where he bought his 1957 cargo-swallowing variant. It had spent the majority of its life in Nevada and was residing in pieces after the previous owner had attempted to complete a restoration, but had given up. The stock 371 engine was seized and hadn't run in years. The body was coated in what Kawal remembers only as an “awful '70s green.”
Eager to loose the far-out hue, he immediately had it repainted in the factory cheery Sunset Glow paint. The interior was reupholstered in the original tri-tone scheme using charcoal, white and silver throughout the cavernous cabin. The lifeless bent-eight powerplant was given a tuneup and a new steering box was installed; Kawal reports it drives just like a brand-new car.
“Out on the highway, it goes straight and smooth — just floats down the road.”
And out on the open interstate is typically where you'll find this wagon. Kawal is one of those few owners who isn't afraid to use his classic for its intended purpose. His family has enjoyed piling in the vintage cruiser and heading to New Jersey, Nebraska, Michigan and Ohio several times over the years for travel getaways.
“When it comes to long distance driving, there's nothing quite like the older style. Looking out over the chromed dash to the hood with its fender ornaments, the elegant curved windshield — its all so different compared to all the cheap plastic found on the new cars,” he said.
When he's not tossing suitcases down the far-reaching load floor, you'll often find it burdened with his expansive collection of music and sound equipment. At the weekly Itasca cruise night, he opens the transom, drops the tailgate and spins up the oldies, providing the perfect soundtrack for those summertime walks between the vintage iron parked in the Buona Beef lot.
His far-reaching music collection ranges from wild big band sounds to '50s rock to doo whop and even some early country. This spring marks this cat's eighth year of providing those hip harmonies. After all that time, Kawal knows what sounds best.
“I won't play anything from today; it shouldn't even be considered music. If you can't whistle to it, it ain't music! And the old stuff is very easy to whistle to.”
With all the use his Fiesta receives, racking up the miles does take its toll. Kawal's future plans for the white-walled Olds involves a mild freshening up of the paint. Those fuchsia fenders have garnered several highway nicks and abrasions, but it's a small sacrifice for the immense satisfaction this '50s hauler brings.
“I simply love the whole car — everything about it — especially the sportiness of that eye-catching side trim and roof line.”
Despite all the years and many additional wagon and utility vehicle designs, the Fiesta still manages to turn heads by displaying that airy, open style that never compromises usefulness. “Having a cool-looking classic is one thing, but the added bonus is that ability to haul. It's a ‘just in case' thing; if I need the space, I've certainly got it.”
So whether the Olds' cabin is filled to the brim or bare and expansive, Kawal has found there's certainly no better way for him, his clan and their cargo to get around.